The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI Joint Undertaking) has announced important changes to its funding rules. Previously, the reimbursement of indirect costs in IMI-funded research projects was at a fixed rate of 20% of direct eligible costs. This was not economically viable and therefore unattractive for many potential participants, and was repeatedly criticised by many stakeholders, including EUA and EARTO (the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations).

In last week’s announcement, the IMI said that participants (including universities) may, alternatively, claim reimbursement on the basis of actual indirect costs. Furthermore, IMI’s funding rules have now also been further aligned with the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) rules, by permitting the use of average personnel costs.

EUA Deputy Secretary General Dr John Smith said: “EUA welcomes these changes, which we believe should encourage much broader interest and participation in IMI research activities. In the light of this decision, EUA urges the European Commission to re-consider its recent Horizon 2020 proposals, which foresee the use of the 20% fixed rate reimbursement model for indirect costs that IMI has just abandoned.”

Please note that EUA’s previous statements on the IMI can be found here: